The renovation of the Arkansas Arts Center in downtown Little Rock is boosting Central Arkansas’ economy through construction initiatives and beyond.
The construction of the reimagined Arkansas Arts Center in MacArthur Park is on schedule and creating local opportunities amidst the country’s economic downturn.
“During these uncertain and challenging times, this construction project is a remarkable success story for our community and our state. Due to the support of the City of Little Rock and private donors, we are spending approximately $4.5 million a month at the jobsite,” said Warren Stephens, AAC Foundation chair and Capital Campaign co-chair in a statement. “We are making every effort to involve local companies and suppliers in this remarkable project. This Arts Center is for the community and built by the community, and we’re committed to constructing this new facility with the talents and expertise of Arkansas workers and companies.”
Almost 150 people are working daily on the Arkansas Arts Center revamp and more than 50 Natural State companies are subcontracting for various purposes within the project.
“A project of this magnitude helps stabilize the state’s construction community, especially during these uncertain times,” said Jake Nabholz, president of Nabholz, one of the project’s managing construction companies. “Close to 90% of the subcontractors and suppliers involved in this expansion are Arkansas-based, meaning that the majority of building funds from this project will be poured back into the state’s economy.”
Local companies involved with the Arkansas Arts Center renovations include Nabholz Construction, Doyne Construction, Hugg and Hall Mobile Storage, Rogers & Dillon Demolition & Excavating, WW/AFCO, C & F Steel Erectors, Glass Erectors Inc., Bass Commercial Concrete, Otis Elevator Company, Action Mechanical Inc., Custom Millwork, Middleton Heat & Air, Covington Roofing, Roberts-McNutt, Royal Overhead Door, PC Hardware, Oaks Brothers, Inc., White River Flooring, McCormick Industrial Abatement Services’ and Smith Underground.
All partners are working together to create a new arts center that features state-of-the-art renovations, including theater, studio-room and student-art gallery expansion. Mechanical operatives designated to adequately house the AAC’s 14,000 works of art from around the globe are also in the works.
According to an Arkansas Arts Center news release, the construction had reached $20.2 million in May. The project’s monthly cost is expected to hit $3.5 million in June.
Both private and public donors support the Arkansas Arts Center’s renovation. While the City of Little Rock is committing over $30 million to the project, private donors have already fundraised over triple the city’s financial commitment.
According to the AAC, capital campaign co-chairs Harriet and Warren Stephens have raised over $122.7 million of their $128 million goal.
The renovated Arkansas Arts Center is scheduled to open in 2022.
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